Bagpipers play as they make their way past the caskets during a memorial service honoring the three dead firefighters Sunday afternoon, December 26, 1999.

Keokuk firefighter Cindy Crew weeps during the memorial service.

The firefighters got the fatally injured twins out, but then turned around and went back into the blazing house to find Jessica, though no one would have faulted them for turning back.

That kind of courage is incomprehensible to most of us. In the committed but often fatalistic world all firefighters inhabit, risks are accepted as part of the job, though never nonchalantly.

No day goes by when firefighters do not pray for the courage to override their natural instinct for self preservation.

Good training and equipment can lessen the risks and bolster the hope of survival. But in the end there is no accounting for fate's cruel intervention, and no discounting the courage of ordinary men and women.

Like all firefighters everywhere, Keokuk's three fallen heroes understood that one day their courage might not be enough. They no doubt hoped that day was far off.

Keokuk's grief at this tragedy undoubtedly seems insurmountable. One woman has lost three of her children. Three wives have lost their husbands, and eight children, their fathers.

Other family members and friends likewise are feeling a daunting loss this holiday weekend, as are neighboring communities whose residents recognize the tragedy as one they could as easily endure some day.

It has been especially rough for Fire Chief Mark Wessel, who must deal with his own grief at the loss of comrades while
handling the public's need for details. While somehow keeping his 16 surviving firefighters ready to battle the next fire.

"They gave their lives to attempt to rescue these people. In terms of bravery that speaks for itself," a solemn Wessel said at a press conference just six hours after the tragedy.

The International Association of Fire Fighters Medal of Honor presented to the families of the three firefighters.

A firefighter salutes the hearse carrying a casket following a memorial service held at Keokuk High School Sunday afternoon, December 26, 1999, honoring the three dead firefighters.

A firefighter stands amid more than 4,000 fellow firefighters, friends, family and people wishing to pay their respects at the memorial service.

Barb McNally, second from left, is comforted by her sister Angela Edwardson, as she and her sons Pat and Joe grieve. McNally's husband David was killed while trying to save the lives of the children.

Firefighters fold the flag draped over the casket of Keokuk firefighter Dave McNally during the service.